Several years ago, this wonderful family hired Chad Esslinger of Esslinger Design Company to design and manage their first-floor remodel. Fast forward to last year, when they moved into a new home and called him again — ready to begin a new chapter and reimagine their space once more.
Appropriately named “New Horizons,” this before and after kitchen remodel completely redefined the heart of the home. The cramped layout, tiny island, and outdated finishes were replaced with a light-filled kitchen renovation featuring custom white oak cabinets, an oversized island that seats six, a full wall of windows, and a newly created sitting area with a fireplace and built-in beverage center.
The result? A kitchen remodel designed not just to look beautiful — but to truly work for a busy family.
Let’s take a closer look.
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“Several years ago, a wonderful family hired us to design and manage their first-floor remodel. Fast forward to this past year when they moved and reached back out requesting help with their new home project. Excited to share the results, one we affectionately call “New Horizons”. The kitchen and adjacent area were completely reimagined to become a functional and beautiful space for the new homeowners.” – Chad Esslinger of Esslinger Design Company
Chad Esslinger has also designed other inspiring homes, including this green kitchen design and this Illinois Family Home Renovation, both showcasing thoughtful layouts and timeless cabinetry details.
The cramped flow, tiny island, and outdated everything in the original kitchen had to go.
The kitchen layout was completely reimagined to expand the island’s size and functionality. By reworking the floor plan, the designer was able to introduce a full wall of windows that drenches the space in natural light year-round. The transformation from dark and cramped to open and airy is dramatic, and immediately sets the tone for the entire remodel.
Sources:
The original red oak floors were sanded, and stained in Minwax Weathered Oak finish.
Others You Might Like:
– 7.5” Engineered Hardwood Flooring (Best seller).
– Engineered Hardwood Flooring.
– Wire Brushed Engineered Hardwood Flooring.
This long and highly functional island features white oak cabinetry topped with durable quartz countertops and comfortably seats six. With this much seating, there’s no need for a separate everyday dining space. The formal dining room remains available for gatherings, while the island handles daily life beautifully.
Sources:
Walls: Benjamin Moore White Dove — one of the most timeless whites for kitchens and living spaces (see why it’s on Home Bunch’s favorite white paint colors).
Counterstools: Counter Stool with Metal Frame (Set of 2).
Lighting: Ross 13″ Wide Pendant.
Others You Might Like:
– Eddy 1 – Light Single Pendant.
– Minka Lavery.
A closer look reveals the 33″ undermount single basin stainless steel sink paired with a sleek pull-down kitchen faucet. Practical accessories like a basin rack, colander, and cutting board make this workstation sink ideal for a busy household.
Sources:
Kitchen Faucet: Delta Trinsic Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet.
The walls and range hood are painted Benjamin Moore White Dove, a timeless white that brings brightness and warmth to the kitchen. Paired with stained white oak cabinets, this combination balances light and natural texture, creating a space that feels both airy and grounded. White Dove enhances the subtle wood tones while keeping the room open, inviting, and perfectly neutral for a family-friendly remodel.
Custom white oak cabinetry, durable quartz countertops, 3″ x 6″ marble subway tile, and warm satin brass hardware create a layered yet timeless palette. The range hood is painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove and finished with white oak trim, blending seamlessly with the cabinetry while adding architectural interest.
Walls: Benjamin Moore White Dove.
Here, the warmth of the custom-stained white oak cabinetry truly shines. The tone is reminiscent of floors stained in Minwax Weathered Oak — soft, neutral, and perfectly balanced. Paired with state-of-the-art appliances and quartz counters, the result feels elevated yet welcoming.
Sources:
Cabinetry: Custom-made, local Amish builder, custom stain on white oak
Backsplash: The Tile Shop – similar: 3″ x 6″ Marble Subway Wall.
Others You Might Like:
– 3 in. x 6 in. Honed Tile Subway Tile.
– Handmade-Look Ceramic Wall Glossy Subway Tile.
Range: Monogram 48 in. 8.9 cu. ft. Smart Double Oven Gas Range.
Shaker-style upper and lower cabinets in white oak provide generous storage while maintaining a clean, tailored look. The warm neutral stain highlights the natural wood grain, adding depth and softness to the space. This thoughtful kitchen layout allowed the designer to incorporate extensive storage solutions, which is always a wonderful thing to have in any kitchen.
Sources:
Countertops: MSI Calacatta Arno.
Hardware: 6″ Satin Brass Bar Pull & 1-1/8″ Satin Brass Round Knob Multipack (Set of 10).
The view from the new sitting area to the updated kitchen reveals the true star of the show.
Sources:
Rug: Machine Woven Area Rug.
Before the renovation, this space functioned as a traditional formal dining room.
“The fireplace was glammed up to accentuate the two-way views, with a beautiful stacked stone surround and solid wood mantel. The seating swivels so that the homeowners can gaze at the fire, then effortlessly pivot towards the custom beverage center.” – Chad Esslinger of Esslinger Design Company
Fireplace Stone: Claros Silver Split Face Free Length Travertine Tile.
Swivel Chairs: Upholstered Swivel Barrel Chair.
“We relocated the formal dining space to another room, allowing for a new sitting area and built-in beverage center.”- Chad Esslinger of Esslinger Design Company
Chairs: Bennett Upholstered Swivel Barrel Chair.
Pillows: Loloi.
End Table: Vela End Table.
Lighting: Minka Lavery.
The custom wet bar is painted in Benjamin Moore Westcott Navy, a deep, rich tone that adds contrast and personality. Fully equipped for preparing drinks or morning coffee, this space elevates daily living while feeling distinctly tailored to the homeowners.
Sources:
Wet Bar Cabinetry: Benjamin Moore Westcott Navy — a rich, sophisticated accent hue (see more designer-approved cabinet shades in 5 cabinet paint colors approved by interior designers).
Faucet: Delta Single Hole Bar / Prep Faucet.
Shelves: Custom – similar: Floating Wood Shelf with 2″ Height.
Walls: Benjamin Moore White Dove.
Wet Bar Cabinetry: Benjamin Moore Westcott Navy.
Original Red Oak Floors: Sanded & stained in Minwax Weathered Oak — a warm, versatile wood tone (see ideas for blending stained wood and white cabinetry in how to mix white and stained white oak cabinets).
A gentle thank you to everyone who helped bring this beautiful home tour to life.
Notes: All images and credits belong to their respective owners.
Thank you so much for being here.
Thank you for being here and for continuing to make Home Bunch a place for inspiration, ideas, and beautiful homes.🤍
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Luciane – Home Bunch
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Luciane from HomeBunch.com
